Author Topic: Easy walking routes, pretty flat, 5-6 miles?  (Read 2251 times)

Jackie1981

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Easy walking routes, pretty flat, 5-6 miles?
« on: 13:12:04, 23/03/16 »
Can anyone please make any recommendations for some kid friendly walks around Yorkshire?  I love the area around Bolton Abbey but we are in Leeds so anywhere to be honest!
 
Our biggest problem is that we are rubbish at map reading so something with easy to follow footpaths or an easy to follow map / route guide that we can take with us would be great.
 
My boys are now walking 4-5 miles quite easily so looking to increase their mileage a little.  Small hills are not too much of a problem but any big hills would mean we'd really have to drop the mileage.
 
Any recommendations?

Islandplodder

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Re: Easy walking routes, pretty flat, 5-6 miles?
« Reply #1 on: 14:15:59, 23/03/16 »
I have a vague recollection that there is or used to be a guide to the Dales Way which did the whole thing as a series of circular walks, some of those might be good, as they wouldn't be too hilly.
Or something like get the train to Burley, walk over the moors to Ilkley and get the train back.  The train might offer added interest.
My eldest's first hill was Simons Seat, we went up by the Valley of Desolation and came down the shorter way, but I do remember it was a bit too far, but you don't have to do it as a round.
There a few nice short rounds in the Washburn Valley, eg round Swinsty reservoir.

kinkyboots

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Re: Easy walking routes, pretty flat, 5-6 miles?
« Reply #2 on: 15:21:17, 23/03/16 »
This walk selector may help you choose something suitable http://www.daleswalks.co.uk/walks/selector.shtml

I'll second the Bolton Abbey Simon's Seat walk. It's not too demanding if you go up to it via the Valley of Desolation.

http://boltonabbey.com/your-visit/walks-and-trails/

Park at Cavendish Pavilion (£8 per car - cheeky sods!) or alternatively there is limited free parking for maybe 8-10 cars just over Barton Bridge if you're there early enough and adjust the route accordingly ie down river almost to the Cavendish Pavilion bridge then cut up left through the Valley of Desolation to Simon's Seat.

Alternatively how about the well known Malham Circular via Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, Malham Tarn & Malham Cove?

http://www.daleswalks.co.uk/walks/gordale_scar_and_malham_cove/

NB There's a little scramble up the side of Gordale Scar waterfall but it's not too difficult with a little care.

This walk is on the telly on Friday April 1st on ITV at 8pm - Best Walks with a View with Julia Bradbury if you want to have a look at it before deciding whether it's suitable or not.

Don't forget most places will be busy busy busy on a Bank Holiday.

A few other websites that may help

http://www.happyhiker.co.uk/MyWalks/YorkshireDales/Hiking%20Pages%20-%20Yorkshire%20Dales.htm
http://www.walkingenglishman.com/dales.htm
http://www.walkingbritain.co.uk/walks/walks/walk_list/Yorkshire_Dales/
http://where2walk.co.uk/yorkshire-dales-intro/
http://www.walkingintheyorkshiredales.co.uk/
« Last Edit: 10:23:38, 24/03/16 by kinkyboots »

vincebowdren

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Re: Easy walking routes, pretty flat, 5-6 miles?
« Reply #3 on: 18:15:53, 11/04/16 »
Can anyone please make any recommendations for some kid friendly walks around Yorkshire?  I love the area around Bolton Abbey but we are in Leeds so anywhere to be honest!
 
Our biggest problem is that we are rubbish at map reading so something with easy to follow footpaths or an easy to follow map / route guide that we can take with us would be great.
 
My boys are now walking 4-5 miles quite easily so looking to increase their mileage a little.  Small hills are not too much of a problem but any big hills would mean we'd really have to drop the mileage.
 
Any recommendations?


Only a bit further up Wharfedale, you've got the areas around Grassington and Kettlewell which are great; and you might be able to follow the signs for the Dales Way between them to get away without any serious map-reading!

cakehead

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Re: Easy walking routes, pretty flat, 5-6 miles?
« Reply #4 on: 11:18:18, 12/04/16 »
If you can find a lake or reservoir with decent circular path, these are usually easy to navigate for obvious reasons. :)
Better to have lived 1 day as a Tiger than a thousand years as a sheep!

vincebowdren

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Re: Easy walking routes, pretty flat, 5-6 miles?
« Reply #5 on: 11:52:42, 12/04/16 »
If you can find a lake or reservoir with decent circular path, these are usually easy to navigate for obvious reasons. :)


Yes, indeed - try Nidderdale for some nice walking around Scar House reservoir (at the top of the dale) and Gouthwaite reservoir further down.

 

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